FDA: Post consumer warnings where we can see them!

Every day, every person in this country faces potentially lethal food products. You and your loved ones are at risk every time you bring home groceries!

Have you heard of the FDA Reportable Food Registry that lists products that have a “reasonable probability of causing serious adverse effects”? I had never even heard of it - and it cost my dog his life. Will my children, spouse, parents or friends be the next victims?

Bella, Cali, Ginger, Heidi, Sampson, Sarge, Shelbie… These are just a few of the over 3,500 dogs reported to have been sickened or killed by chicken jerky dog treats – with untold thousands unreported. How could this happen – and still be happening? The answer: The warnings about this danger are ONLY available on the FDA website.

My name is Ray Parker, and my beloved companion Sarge was a victim. Days after eating one of these treats, days of suffering, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go. I had no idea that there was (and still is) a major ongoing investigation by the FDA - there was no warning on the package nor was there any warning posted on the shelf where they were displayed. Searching for answers, I went to my computer. I learned -- too late – that the FDA has been investigating jerky treats for years!

The danger doesn't stop at pet treats. Prescription drugs, baby formula, black licorice and pet treats are just some of items that are currently under FDA Advisory. The only way to find these warnings is to search on-line. The average consumer doesn't compare their grocery list to the FDA website, nor should they be expected to do so. And if you don't have internet access, how are you supposed to learn what products might be putting your family at risk?

The FDA has always claimed their hands are tied when it comes to warning consumers about reported products at the point of sale, but this is no longer true. In 2011, Congress finally enacted - and President Obama signed into law - the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which explicitly gives the FDA this authority.

With just a simple piece of paper posted on store shelves, millions of American families can be spared the consequences of purchasing potentially dangerous products. There are so many loopholes that allow hazards to reach our homes and families. This is our last line of defense!

I believe that the FDA has the responsibility to inform consumers of possible risks and we have the RIGHT to make informed decisions. A trip to the grocery store should not be deadly! If you agree, please join us in signing this petition demanding that the FDA and your representatives:

• AMEND FSMA SECTION 211 to include all retailers, not just major chains.

• SPECIFY THAT WRITTEN WARNINGS must be displayed with the affected product, not just at the cash register.

THANK YOU FOR ADDING YOUR VOICE TO OURS!

(If you have been a victim of the FDA’s warning system, please share your story in the comments. To learn more about our group, the link between jerky pet treats and illnesses, or the Food Safety Modernization Act, see the links under “News” at the bottom of the petition page.)

S. Raymond Parker

Co-Administrator of ‘Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China!’

Consumers must be able to trust that a product sold in our stores is not going to be dangerous, or even deadly. We have the right to know AT THE POINT OF SALE if a product has a “reasonable probability of causing serious adverse effects”, and has been listed on the Reportable Food Registry. As an American, I feel betrayed to know that the FDA posts numerous advisories, warnings and cautions on their website for products that are linked to illness and even death, but these are not made available to the general public in any other accessible way.

We should not have to compare our shopping list to the FDA website! That is not enough to alert us to the risks we might be taking! So many, especially the elderly, do not have internet access. How will they learn of the risks of these products?

Because of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-353), the FDA now has important new authorities and tools to keep us safe. Section 211 of the FSMA gives the FDA the explicit power to require postings for consumers at the point of sale (POS):

“If a grocery store sold a reportable food that is the subject of the posting and such establishment is part of chain of establishments with 15 or more physical locations, then such establishment shall, not later than 24 hours after a one page summary described in subsection (g) is published, prominently display such summary or the information”.

With just a simple piece of paper posted at the point of purchase, millions of American families can be spared the consequences of purchasing tainted products.

I am imploring you to act immediately to:

• IMPLEMENT FSMA SECTION 211 requiring warnings to be prominently displayed in stores.• AMEND FSMA SECTION 211 to include all retailers, not just major chains.• SPECIFY THAT WRITTEN WARNINGS must be displayed with the affected product, not just at the cash register

I believe that the FDA has the responsibility to inform consumers – and we have the RIGHT to be informed. This final step gives us the information we need to know to make our own educated purchase decisions – it is our last line of defense. Help us to keep our families safe.